Balu is the son of legendary Warli artist Jivya Soma Mhase. His father received the National Award in 1976 and the Padma Shri in 2011 by the Government of India for his contributions in the field of Warli art.

Balu started learning Warli art from his father when he was 12 years old. He has participated in many exhibitions in India and overseas, specifically at the National Crafts Museum in Delhi, Mithila Museum in Tokamachi, Japan and in London.